hotel booking in gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of the eastern Indian state of Sikkim and an amazing place to visit. Perched high up in the hills with a predominantly Buddhist population, this city has some beautiful sights and scenes that are worth checking out for any avid traveller, especially if you like majestic mountains. But if you are going to Gangtok, it is best to reserve your hotel room before you arrive. In this short blog, we will help you pick the right hotel and explore one property that you will surely like.

The name “Gangtok” literally means “hill top” in the local language and is an apt name because the city is located at an elevation of 5,500 ft. From the city, one gets a great view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world and several other places located around it. On most days, one can see clouds wafting through the city and the air is always very clean and brisk. The overall ambience in the city is very enthralling and captivating as it is adorned with many characteristic buildings with a distinctly Buddhist or Tibetan architecture.

Going to Gangtok

Going to Gangtok is easy as there is a domestic airport called Pakyong Airport located about 30 Kms south of the city.  This seasonal airport is the only one in the state of Sikkim and is a spread over 200 acres of land. In the summer, it is fully operational and is the most convenient way to travel there. It has been praised by the global media for its state-of-the-art engineering and its aesthetically pleasing structure.

Alternatively, you can travel to Bagdodra International Airport in Bengal near Siliguri and then go to Gangtok by road, which takes about 4-5 hours. This is also a good option as the drive to Gangtok is very scenic and the roads are very good. Lastly, you can also take a train to Jalpaiguri in Bengal and then travel the 120 Kms to Gangtok by car. The station in Jalpaiguri is very efficient and connects to most major cities in the area.

Choosing a hotel in Gangtok

Although Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and a very important hub in the area, it is a small city compared to the other metros in India. Therefore, it has a limited number of hotels and many of them are very simple stand-alone local properties, which are not suitable for a long vacation. Therefore, you should do some research and book your hotel ahead of time. Here are some things to consider:

1. Location: As the old saying goes, when it comes to hotels, the 3 most important things are: Location, location and location. In Gangtok, you should choose a hotel that is close to the city center and affords scenic views.

2. Size: It better to stay at a large hotel that is a part of a national or international chain to ensure the best services and a guaranteed minimum standard of hospitality.

3. Food: If you are north India, you should choose a hotel that has good north Indian food as well as local cuisine so that you have enough options and don’t get bored.

4. Room options: If you are travelling with family or a large group, you should opt for a hotel that provides interconnecting rooms, large family rooms or suites that can accommodate all the members in your party.

5. Surroundings: The ideal neighborhood for a hotel in Gangtok is one that is peaceful and quiet with greenery all around but still not too far from the city center and main attractions.

Where to stay

One of the best hotels in Gangtok is the Amritara Luxury Villa Tosca. This property is located only 1.8 Kms from the city center and provides a wonderful view of the Kanchenjunga Mountain. The property is very well maintained as it is a part of the Amritara Group of Hotels and offers every amenity that one can expect from a world class hotel. The rooms are also very comfortable and the service is par excellent. The property also has a terrace and offers rooms with balconies for enjoying the legendary views of Gangtok.

The best part about this hotel, for north Indians at least, is that it serves some authentic local cuisine but also serves traditional north Indian fare that is both delectable and filling. For many north Indians, food becomes a problem in Sikkim as travellers who are used to traditional cuisine become homesick after a few days of eating the local food. It is notoriously hard to find typical north Indian dishes like Naan, Dal Mahkni and Butter Chicken in Sikkim unless you stay at a chain like Amritara.

Another major advantage of the Amritara Luxury Villa Tosca is the availability of suites and family rooms. These are large rooms or 2 room sets that are designed for families and large groups. Adorned in the local style, these spacious abodes allow groups to spend more time together instead of being separated by different rooms. Regardless of if you come alone or in a big group, you will love your experience at this property and your trip to Gangtok.